Video signal processing circuit and computer system

ABSTRACT

A video signal processing circuit, in which a horizontal synchronizing signal is separated from an input analog video signal by a synchronism separating circuit, whether a “H” period of the horizontal synchronizing signal continues for more than a prespecified period of time or not is checked by a synchronizing signal monitoring counter, and power supply to an A/D converter is controlled thereby according to a result the confirmation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissue of U.S.Pat. No. 6,621,523. The reissue applications are application Ser. Nos.11/229,447 (the present application) and 11/827,147 (which is acontinuation of 11/229,447 ).

This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/040,424, filed Mar. 18, 1998, now allowed.

This application is based upon and claims priority of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/040,424, filed Mar. 18, 1998, and Japanese patentapplication no. 9-284041, filed Oct. 16, 1997, the contents beingincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a video signal processing circuit forcontrolling power supply required for A/D conversion of an analog videosignal as well as to a computer system with the video single processingcircuit applied therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, a battery-driven system has generally been employed ina computer system such as a notebook personal computer. In thisbattery-driven system, a driving time is limited because of correlationbetween a battery life and a driving time. For this reason, in the caseof the computer system, a technology of extending a continuous drivingtime for a system by reducing power consumption for the system as awhole has been demanded.

With the current state of the technology, however, as power is alwayssupplied to a sampling circuit for an A/D converter, the circuit isdriven, even when an irregular signal is received or a period with nosignal received continues, for sampling to subject the signal to A/Dconversion. For this reason, even when it is conceivable from the viewpoint of an A/D converter and a video signal processing circuit as aperipheral unit thereof or of the system as a whole that, even when thesampling driving is not needed, power is supplied to an A/D converterand the power is wastefully consumed, which makes an operating time ofthe whole system shorter.

There are some analogous technologies to solve the problem concerningthe power consumption disclosed, for example, in Japanese PatentLaid-Open Publication No. HEI 5-176333 and Japanese Patent Laid-OpenPublication No. HEI 6-292062. Disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-OpenPublication No. HEI 5-176333 is a technology that a video signalprocessing circuit detects a vertical blanking period from a receivedcomplex synchronizing signal and turns OFF an A/D converter for theperiod of time. Also disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open PublicationNo. HEI 6-292062 is a technology as a method of saving power for a videocamera that power to a camera block including an A/D converter is cutoff during a standby state for recording.

In the conventional type of computer system like those in JapanesePatent Laid-Open Publication No. HEI 5-176333 and Japanese PatentLaid-Open Publication No. HEI 6-292062, only a prespecified period oftime required for video signal processing like the vertical blankingperiod is devoted to reduction of power consumption, or reduction ofpower consumption is effected by certain operational situations in thesystem like the standby state for recording.

However, an approach of controlling power consumption by directlydetermining a received video signal itself is required for actuallydealing with video signal processing in real time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first object of the present invention, putting attention to areceived video signal itself, to provide a video signal processingcircuit which can prevent wasteful power consumption in the circuit as awhole by eliminating unnecessary A/D conversion according to a videosignal.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a computersystem which can prevent wasteful power consumption in the system as awhole by applying therein the video signal processing circuit whichachieves the first object.

With the present invention, power supply for A/D conversion iscontrolled according to a synchronizing signal to an input analog videosignal, so that unnecessary A/D conversion is eliminated according to avideo signal, and with this feature, it is possible to prevent wastefulpower consumption in a circuit as a whole.

With the present invention, power supply for A/D conversion is executedonly when a synchronizing signal separated from an input analog videosignal satisfies prespecified conditions, so that unnecessary A/Dconversion for any video signal not satisfying the prespecifiedconditions is eliminated, and with this feature, it is possible toprevent wasteful power consumption in a circuit as a whole.

With the present invention, power supply for A/D conversion is executedonly when a “H” (high) period of a horizontal synchronizing signalseparated from an input analog video signal continues for more than aprespecified period of time, so that unnecessary A/D conversion for anyvideo signal in which the “H” (high) period of a horizontalsynchronizing signal does not reach the prespecified period of time iseliminated, and with this feature, it is possible to prevent wastefulpower consumption in a circuit as a whole.

With the present invention, power supply is stopped when disturbance isconfirmed in a horizontal synchronizing signal separated from an inputanalog video signal, so that power supply can be controlled in real timeaccording to change in a horizontal synchronizing signal after normalpower supply is started, and with this feature, it is possible torealize reduction of power consumption in real time in a circuit as awhole.

With the present invention, in a video signal processing circuit, powersupply from a power supply unit for A/D conversion is controlledaccording to a synchronizing signal to an input analog video signal, sothat unnecessary A/D conversion is eliminated according to a videosignal, and with this feature, it is possible to prevent wasteful powerconsumption in a system as a whole.

With the present invention, in a video signal processing circuit, powersupply from a power supply unit for A/D conversion is executed only whena synchronizing signal separated from an input analog video signalsatisfies prespecified conditions, so that unnecessary A/D conversion iseliminated to any video signal which does not satisfy the prespecifiedconditions, and with this feature, it is possible to prevent wastefulpower consumption in a system as a whole.

With the present invention, in a video signal processing circuit, powersupply from a power supply unit for A/D conversion is executed only whena “H” (high) period of a horizontal synchronizing signal separated froman input analog video signal continues for more than a prespecifiedperiod of time, so that unnecessary A/D conversion is eliminated to anyvideo signal in which the “H” (high) period of a horizontalsynchronizing signal does not reach the prespecified period of time, andwith this feature, it is possible to prevent wasteful power consumptionin a system as a whole.

With the present invention, in a video signal processing circuit, powersupply is stopped when disturbance is confirmed in a horizontalsynchronizing signal separated from an input analog video signal, sothat power supply from a power supply unit can be controlled in realtime according to change in a horizontal synchronizing signal afternormal power supply is started, and with this feature, it is possible torealize reduction of power consumption in real time in a system as awhole.

Other objects and features of this invention will become understood fromthe following description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a computer system according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a video signal processing circuit inthe computer system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a synchronizing signal monitoringcounter in the video signal processing circuit shown in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining operations according to theembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Detailed description is made hereinafter for a preferred embodiment of avideo signal processing circuit and a computer system according to thepresent invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. It shouldbe noted that description assumes an NTSC system as a television systemin the embodiment described below.

At first, description is made for system configuration. FIG. 1 is ablock diagram showing a computer system according to one embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 1 shows a personal computer 1 as one exampleof a computer system. This computer system 1 comprises an input I/F 2for interfacing with input units such as a video deck, a video cameraand a laser disk drive to receive input of a video signal; a videosignal processing circuit 3; a power supply unit 6 comprising a batteryfor supplying power into the device; an image processing circuit 7; andan output I/F 8 for interfacing with output devices such as a monitor, avideo deck, and a projector to output a video signal. It should be notedthat a video deck is capable of recording as well as reproducing imagesby being connected to this personal computer 1, and for this reason, thevide deck is connected to both the input I/F 2 and output I/F 8 for thecomputer.

The video signal processing circuit 3 comprises an A/D converter 4 forconverting an analog video signal received via the input I/F 2 to adigital signal, and a power control circuit 5 connected to a powersupply unit 6 for controlling power supply to the A/D converter 4according to a horizontal synchronizing signal separated from the inputanalog video signal.

The image processing circuit 7 subjects the digital video signalA/D-converted by the video signal processing circuit 3 to graphicprocessing to form output data (display data), and outputs the formedoutput data to a monitor, a video deck, or a projector via the outputI/F 8. It should be noted that, if the personal computer 1 providestherein a display monitor, output data is also outputted from the imageprocessing circuit 7 to the display monitor.

Next detailed description is made for the video signal processingcircuit 3. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the video signal processingcircuit 3. The video signal processing circuit 3 is divided, as shown inFIG. 1, into the A/D converter 4 and the power control circuit 5.

The power control circuit 5 comprises, as shown in FIG. 2, a powercircuit 51, a clock generator 52, a synchronism separating circuit 53, asynchronizing signal monitoring counter 54, a reference power supplyunit 55, and a sampling clock circuit 56. The power circuit 51 fetchestherein digital power VDD supplied from the power supply unit 6 andsupplies the power to the clock generator 52, synchronism separatingcircuit 53, and the synchronizing signal monitoring counter 54.

The clock generator 52 generates clocks, by dividing a reference clock,according to the synchronizing signal monitoring counter 54 and thesampling clock circuit 56 respectively. This clock generator 52 outputsa clock CLK2 and a noise clear clock NCLRC to the synchronism separatingcircuit 53. The synchronism separating circuit 53 receives a supply ofdigital power VDD from the power circuit 51 and executes synchronousreparation according to an inputted NTSC signal VIN. The synchronismseparating circuit 53 outputs a horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC, avertical synchronizing signal VSYNC, and a complex signal CSYNC eachobtained by means of synchronous separation to the synchronizing signalmonitoring counter 54.

The synchronizing signal monitoring counter 54 receives a supply ofdigital power VDD from the power circuit 51 and monitors a period of thesynchronizing signal supplied from the synchronism separating circuit 53according to each timing of the clock CLK2 as well as of the noise clearclock NCLRC from the clock generator 52. This synchronizing signalmonitoring counter 54 monitors especially the horizontal synchronizingsignal HSYNC, regards a case where the horizontal synchronizing signalHSYNC keeps continuously the “H” state for a prespecified period (e.g.44.1 μs) as input of a normal video signal, and sends a power-ON signalPOWON to the reference power supply unit 55.

Circuits to which power is always supplied from the power circuit 51 areherein the clock generator 52, synchronism separating circuit 53, andsynchronizing signal monitoring counter 54.

The reference power supply unit 55 is supplied with digital power VDD aswell as with analog power AVDD variable in a range from the highestreference voltage VRT to the lowest reference voltage VRB, and suppliesdigital power VDD to the sampling clock circuit 56 as well as to the A/Dconverter 4 only when the power-ON signal POWON is accepted from thesynchronizing signal monitoring counter 54. The sampling clock circuit56 outputs sampling clocks according to clocks supplied from the clockgenerator 52 to the A/D converter 4 only when digital power is suppliedfrom the reference power supply unit 55.

The A/D converter 4 can execute a converting operation only when notonly power is supplied from the reference power supply unit 55 but alsoa sampling clock is supplied from the sampling clock circuit 56. The A/Dconverter supplies power to an internal sampling comparator which is notshown herein, or the like. Also, the A/D converter 4 subjects an NTSCsignal VIN received according to a sampling clock from the samplingclock circuit 56 in the sampling comparator to A/D conversion. It isassumed herein that the output video signal consists of 8 bits from D1to D8.

In the power control circuit 5, when an NTSC signal VIN as a complexsignal is received by the synchronism separating circuit 53, ahorizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC and a vertical synchronizingsignal VSYNC are fetched out. A horizontal synchronizing period isdetermined from an equalizing pulse period before and after thehorizontal synchronizing period according to those horizontalsynchronizing signal HSYNC and vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC, andthen a horizontal synchronizing pulse is determined.

This horizontal synchronizing pulse is monitored in the synchronizingsignal monitoring counter 54. The “H” (high) period of the horizontalsynchronizing signal is sampled (counted) during the monitoring.Although a sampling cycle for a normal video signal is 58.8 μs, samplingis executed at a cycle of around 124 ns in consideration of influence bynoises. For this reason, for instance, when the “H” period continues for44.1 μs in one sampling operation, the synchronizing signal monitoringcounter 54 determines that a normal video signal (complex signal) isreceived.

In the synchronizing signal monitoring counter 54, when it is confirmedthat the normal video signal has been received, a power-ON signal POWONto instruct power supply to the A/D converter 4 is outputted to thereference power supply unit 55. The reference power supply unit 55supplies digital power VDD to the A/D converter 4 only when the power-ONsignal POWON is received.

More specifically, power is supplied from the reference power supplyunit 55 to the A/D converter 4 as well as to the sampling clock circuit56. With this operation, an operation of supplying sampling clocks isstarted in the sampling clock circuit 56 according to clocks sent fromthe clock generator 52. Supply of the sampling clocks to the A/Dconverter 4 allows the sampling comparator to be driven in the A/Dconverter 4. Also, in the A/D converter 4, when a circuit such as thesampling comparator is driven, A/D conversion is executed according toan inputted NTSC signal VIN.

The monitoring operation is always executed in the synchronizing signalmonitoring counter 54. Accordingly, output of the power-ON signal POWONto the reference power supply unit 55 is stopped in real time at a pointof time when input of the normal video signal (complex signal) can notbe confirmed. In other words, when output of the power-ON signal isstopped, not only power supply to the sampling clock circuit 56 but alsothat to the A/D converter 4 are stopped.

A video signal (complex signal) which is not normal is a signal at alevel where neither a video signal nor character information canaccurately be reproduced. For example, the signal includes a null signaland noises or the like.

Further, detailed description is made for an example of operations inone configuration of the synchronizing signal monitoring counter 54. Atfirst, description is made for the configuration. FIG. 3 is a circuitdiagram showing the synchronizing signal monitoring counter 54. Thesynchronizing signal monitoring counter 54 comprises, as shown in FIG.3, clock counters 501 to 503, flip-flops 504 to 508, inverters 509 and510, NOR circuits 511 to 514, and a NAND circuit 515.

In FIG. 3, a horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC is outputted from thesynchronism separating circuit 53, and an inverted signal IH isoutputted from the inverter 509. A vertical synchronizing signal VSYNCis outputted from the synchronism separating circuit 53, and an outputQ3 is a signal outputted from the clock counter 501. An output Q#(inverted signal) is a signal outputted from the flip-flop 504, and anoutput Q1 is a signal outputted from the clock counter 502.

An output signal QN is outputted from the NOR circuit 512, and aninverted signal IQX is outputted from the Inverter 510. Then, a power-ONsignal POWON is outputted from the flip-flop 508. A verticalsynchronizing signal AVSYNC is a signal outputted from the NAND circuit515, which does not include any noises.

Next description is made for operations of power control for the A/Dconverter 4 by the counter 54 shown in FIG. 3 with reference to FIG. 4.FIG. 4 is a timing chart for explaining operations of power controlaccording to the embodiment.

The horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC has, as shown in FIG. 4,waveforms corresponding to various periods such as an equalizing pulseperiod (3H), a vertical synchronizing period (3H), an equalizing pulseperiod (3H), a horizontal synchronizing pulse period, an equalizingpulse period (3H), and a vertical synchronizing pulse period . . . .This horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC is inputted into the inverter509 and flip-flop 505. In the inverter 509, the horizontal synchronizingsignal HSYNC is inverted and outputted as an inverted signal IH to theflip-flop 504, 506, and to the clock counter 510.

On the other hand, the “H” period of the vertical synchronizing signalVSYNC is sampled (counted) in the clock counter 501, and an output Q3 isoutputted from the clock counter to the NOR circuit 511. This output Q3is maintained, as shown in FIG. 4, up to a period of a horizontalsynchronizing pulse after the vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC isswitched to the “L” level.

Inputted into the flip-flop 504 is the inverted signal IH as a clock CK,and an output Q as well as an output Q# are outputted at a timing of theclock CK until a clear signal CLR is inputted from the NOR circuit 511.This output Q# is outputted to the clock counter 502 and functions as areset signal R therein.

After the output Q3 from the clock counter 501 is switched to the “L”level and the horizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC is first changed tothe “L” level, a continued period of the “H” level for the horizontalsynchronizing signal HSYNC is sampled (counted) by the clock counter502. When the period continues for 44.1 μs, the sampling by the clockcounter 502 is completed, and an output Q1 is outputted by one pulse. Inresponse to the output, an output Q from the flip-flop 505 is changed tothe “H” level, and this level is maintained. It should be noted that anoutput Q9 from the clock counter 502 is inputted as a clock CK into theflip-flop 506 provided in the latter stage.

At this point of time, the output Q from the flip-flop 506 is at the “L”level, and for this reason an output QN from the NOR circuit 512 isswitched to the “H” level. This output QN is maintained until thehorizontal synchronizing pulse period is over. Namely, an output fromthe inverter 510 through the clock counter 503, namely an invertedsignal IQX is changed to the “H” level by one pulse at a switchingtiming of the equalizing pulse period to the first “H” level after thehorizontal syncrhonzing pulse period is over. Herein, the clock counter503 counts the vertical synchronizing signal VSYNC up to the end thereofaccording to the inverted signal IH as well as to the output Q# from theflip-flop 506 and operates to clear the flip-flop 505. Then, this clockcounter 503 synchronizes again to the next vertical synchronizing signalVSYNC.

The clear signal CLR is inputted into the flip-flop 505 in response tothe above operation, and the output Q is reset. For this reason, outputQN from the NOR circuit 512 terminates the “H” period. Even if theoutput QN is switched to the “L” level as described above, the flip-flip508 continuously outputs a power-ON signal POWON to the reference powersupply unit 55 until disturbance occurs in the horizontal synchronizingsignal HSYNC.

Inputted into the clock counter 502 in this step is a clock CLK2 fromthe clock generator 52. This clock CLK2 functions as a clock to find avertical synchronizing signal VSYNC within the horizontal synchronizingsignal HSYNC.

A vertical synchronizing signal AVSYNC outputted from the NAND circuit512 is a signal having no noise therein and is inputted into the NORcircuit 513. Determination is made in this NOR circuit 513 as to whetherthe vide signal is a null signal or not according to the verticalsynchronizing signal AVSYNC as well as to the complex signal CSYNC. Aresult of the determination is outputted to the NOR circuit 514 providedin the latter stage. Determination is made in the NOR circuit 514 as towhether a normal video signal is inputted or not according to a resultof the determination in the NOR circuit 513 as well as to the output Q#from the flip-flop 507 outputted at a timing of input of a noise clearclock NCLRC. The output from this NOR circuit 514 is supplied to theflip-flop 508.

As a result, a signal at the “L” level is outputted to the flip-flop508, and the flip-flop 508 stops output of a power-ON signal POWON.

The noise clear clock NCLRC from the clock generator 52 is a clock fordetecting any noise in the horizontal synchronizing period of thehorizontal synchronizing signal HSYNC. Namely, with this noise clearclock NCLRC, erroneous determination that any noise is regarded as avertical synchronizing period can be prevented.

As described above, with the embodiment, in the video signal processingcircuit 3, power supply from the power supply unit 6 for the A/Dconverter 4 is executed only when the “H” period of a horizontalsynchronizing signal separated from an input analog video signalcontinues for more than a prespecified period of time, so thatunnecessary A/D conversion is eliminated to any video signal in whichthe “H” period of a horizontal synchronizing signal does not reach theprespecified period of time. With this feature, it is possible toprevent wasteful power consumption not only in the video signalprocessing circuit 3 but also in the system as a whole.

Also, in the video signal processing circuit 3, power supply is stoppedfrom the power supply unit 6 when disturbance is confirmed in ahorizontal synchronizing signal separated from an input analog videosignal, so that power supply from the power supply unit can becontrolled in real time according to change in a horizontalsynchronizing signal after normal power supply is started. With thisfeature, it is possible to realize deduction of power consumption inreal time not only in the video signal processing circuit 3 but also inthe system as a whole.

The NTSC system has been explained as an example in the embodimentdescribed above, but the present invention is not limited to the abovesystem but is applicable to other systems such as the PAL system and theSECAM system.

Although the invention has been described with respect to the specificembodiment for a clear and complete disclosure, the appended claims arenot to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying allmodifications and alternative constructions that may occur to oneskilled in the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching hereinset forth.

With the present invention, power supply for A/D conversion iscontrolled according to a synchronizing signal to an input analog videosignal, so that unnecessary A/D conversion is eliminated according to avideo signal, and with this feature, there is provided the effect thatit is possible to obtain a video signal processing circuit which canprevent wasteful power consumption in the circuit as a whole.

With the present invention, power supply for A/D conversion is executedonly when a synchronizing signal separated from an input analog videosignal satisfies prespecified conditions, so that unnecessary A/Dconversion is eliminated to any video signal which does not satisfy theprespecified conditions, and with this feature, there is provided theeffect that it is possible to obtain a video signal processing circuitwhich can prevent wasteful power consumption in the circuit as a whole.

With the present invention, power supply for A/D conversion is executedonly when a “H” period of a horizontal synchronizing signal separatedfrom an input analog video signal continues for more than a prespecifiedperiod of time, so that unnecessary A/D conversion is eliminated to anyvideo signal in which the “H” period of a horizontal synchronizingsignal does not reach the presepecified period of time, and with thisfeature, there is provided the effect that it is possible to obtain avideo signal processing circuit which can prevent wasteful powerconsumption in the circuit as a whole.

With the present invention, power supply is stopped when disturbance isconfirmed in a horizontal synchronizing signal separated from an inputanalog video signal, so that power supply can be controlled in real timeaccording to change in a horizontal synchronizing signal after normalpower supply is started, and with this feature, there is provided theeffect that it is possible to obtain a video signal processing circuitwhich can realize reduction of power consumption in real time in thecircuit as a whole.

With the present invention, in a video signal processing circuit, powersupply from a power supply unit for A/D conversion is controlledaccording to a synchronizing signal to an input analog video signal, sothat unnecessary A/D conversion is eliminated according to a videosignal, and with this feature, there is provided the effect that it ispossible to obtain a computer system which can prevent wasteful powerconsumption in the system as a whole.

With the present invention, in a video signal processing circuit, powersupply from a power supply unit for A/D conversion is executed only whena synchronizing signal separated from an input analog video signalsatisfies prespecified conditions, so that unnecessary A/D conversion iseliminated to any video signal which does not satisfy the prespecifiedconditions, and with this feature, there is provided the effect that itis possible to obtain a computer system which can prevent wasteful powerconsumption in the system as a whole.

With the present invention, in a Video signal Processing circuit, powersupply from a power supply unit for A/D conversion is executed only whena “H” period of a horizontal synchronizing signal separated from aninput analog video signal continues for more than a prespecified periodof time, so that unnecessary A/D conversion is eliminated to any videosignal in which the “H” period of a horizontal synchronizing signal doesnot reach the prespecified period of time, and with this feature, thereis provided the effect that it is possible to obtain a computer systemwhich can prevent wasteful power consumption in the system as a whole.

With the present invention, in a video signal processing circuit, powersupply is stopped when disturbance is confirmed in a horizontalsynchronizing signal separated from an input analog video signal, sothat power supply from a power supply unit can be controlled in realtime according to change in a horizontal synchronizing signal afternormal power supply is started, and with this feature, there is providedthe effect that it is possible to obtain a computer system which canrealize reduction of power consumption in real time in the system as awhole.

This application is based on Japanese patent application No. HEI9-284041 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Oct. 16, 1997, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Although the invention has been described with respect to a specificembodiment for a complete and clear disclosure, the appended claims arenot to be thus limited but are to be construed as embodying allmodifications and alterative constructions that may occur to one skilledin the art which fairly fall within the basic teaching herein set forth.

1. A video signal processing circuit comprising: an A/D converterconverting an input analog video signal to a digital video signal inresponse to a power supply; a synchronism separating unit separating asynchronizing signal from said input analog video signal; a monitoringunit monitoring a disturbance of the synchronizing signal and time forwhich the disturbance continues; and a power supply unit supplying powerto said A/D converter, wherein said power supply unit stops the powersupply to said A/D converter when the time for which the disturbancecontinues exceeds a predetermined time period that is shorter than thetime period for which a normal horizontal synchronizing signalcontinues.
 2. A computer system connected to an external device andexecuting image processing according to an analog video signal inputtedfrom the external device comprising: a video signal processing circuitgenerating a digital video signal according to an analog video signalinputted from the external device; an image processing circuit executingimage processing according to a digital video signal generated by saidvideo signal processing circuit; and a power supply unit supplying powerwithin the computer system, wherein said video signal processing circuitcomprises: an A/D converter converting an input analog video signal to adigital video signal in response to a power supply, a synchronismseparating unit separating a synchronizing signal from said input analogvideo signal, a monitoring unit monitoring a disturbance of thesynchronizing signal and time for which the disturbance continues, and apower supply unit supplying the power to said A/D converter, whereinsaid power supply unit stops the power supply to said A/D converter whenthe time for which the disturbance continues exceeds a predeterminedtime period that is shorter than the time period for which a normalhorizontal synchronizing signal continues.
 3. A method comprising:converting a video signal at an A/D converter in response to a powersupply; separating a synchronizing signal from the video signal;monitoring a disturbance of the synchronizing signal and time for whichthe disturbance continues; and stopping the power supply to the A/Dconverter when the time for which the disturbance continues exceeds apredetermined time period that is shorter than the time period for whicha normal horizontal synchronizing signal continues.